This Friday, August 28, will be staff reporter Mitchell Law’s last day at the Springville Journal. After three years, he is off to pursue a new career and all of us at the Journal wish him well in his endeavor. In light of his leaving, Mitchell wanted to say a few words to the people of the communities he has grown fond of over the past three years:

I sit here, with memories floating in my head of my very first board meeting.
I envision all that I have come to discover about the wonderful town of Concord and village of Springville, which I grew up in as well as the surrounding towns.
Even though I have chosen to move on and pursue other opportunities, I will not forget you all, and the communities that care.
I discovered how Springville and the other surrounding towns work together: Ashford, Boston, Chaffee, Colden, Collins, Concord, East Otto, Sardinia, West Valley and others. The citizens pool together their resources for the benefit of individuals and families who are in need.
There are a fast amount of organizations whose sole goal is to help those in need. The number of those organizations continue to increase over the years.
The last three years has been a wonderful learning experience. Beginning my job as the Journal reporter, I was hesitant at first, sitting at my first meeting in East Otto.
However, when I arrived there I discovered the workings of a small town. I felt welcomed. I found that most times, the small towns are the nicest and most proud of its heritage.
When I sat through the meetings, my interest peaked and I began to report what the town’s people saw were important issues.
I reported on what was important to the citizens as you could see heated debates that showed emotion, issues that took longer than five minutes to discuss.
They took time to discuss and debate until they came to a resolution. There was a step-by-step process that had to be taken.
My other stories included those about organizations, businesses and any changes in the towns.
There were accidents, fires and other tragedies. Some were miniscule and others were profound. I particularly remember the fire at the Springville Country Club, where many fire departments responded.
To Springville residents as well as the other towns people, I will miss talking to each one of you. There were always people who had stories to tell.
I will miss you all, including my co-workers, who were the best.